By Beth Braccio Hering,Writer
Job candidates know it’s essential to present employers with flawless application materials that demonstrate their best effort. But sometimes, despite careful proofreading, a mistake doesn’t come to light until after the submission leaves your hands.
You may be disappointed about the oversight, but it’s important to not be too hard on yourself—everyone makes mistakes.
How do you proceed after an application mistake, though? Do you point out the mistake to the hiring manager and risk drawing attention to it? Or should you just let it go and hope for the best?
Answering the following questions can help you decide what to do when you accidentally submit a job application with mistakes.
How Bad Is the Mistake?
A grammar error certainly won’t earn a candidate any points, but it doesn’t hold the same weight as, say, putting in the wrong employment dates for a past job.
If you discover a major factual error after you apply, it’s best to resubmit your application. Employers will keep your resume on file even if you are not hired, and they often go back through their records to find candidates for open roles. Also, mistakes in your dates of employment, job titles, or degree information can all lead to termination if they’re discovered after you’ve been hired.It may feel easier to mention an incorrect fact during the interview process, but verbal conversations can easily be forgotten, so it’s better to have the corrected application on file.
On the other hand, employers may not notice a misspelled word as they quickly skim through your resume and application. In this case, letting it go may prove to be the best solution.
What Is the Job?
Consider how the mistake affects your candidacy. An employer may frown at a typo on an application for a restaurant manager position but overlook it because the person has a wealth of industry experience and superior customer service skills. But a job seeker looking to secure work as an editor may be better off admitting the error, which at least shows dedication to getting things right—even if it’s after the fact.
Is There an Easy Fix?
Finally, consider what actions would be necessary to rectify the mistake. If you applied online, the employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS) might allow you to log in and upload an updated resume. The beauty here is that you don’t have to point out why you’re submitting a new version, and chances are the old file gets deleted.
If there isn’t a way to go back and fix your mistake without the employer knowing, you can still take steps to correct any essential information. Suppose you initially emailed your application materials to a specific person or email address. You can simply email the contact a corrected version with a short explanatory note.
What if you made a mistake that isn’t significant enough to warrant resubmission but is still worth correcting at some point? You can bring it up by tying it into relevant topics during your interview. For example, when discussing your team leadership experience, you could say:
I think it’s important to mention that, after submitting my resume, I realized that it should have said eight rather than 12 for the number of people on my team. The other four team members I originally included were cross-functional resources I helped oversee.’”
Yes, owning up to an error can feel uncomfortable. But it also demonstrates honesty and conscientiousness—two great qualities for any prospective employee!
Learn From Your Mistakes
While making a mistake on a job application isn’t ideal, it’s also not an insurmountable situation. If you do discover an error, take a deep breath and determine if it’s something you need to remedy right away. Then, learn from the mistake, commit yourself to double (and triple!) checking everything next time, and give yourself a pat on the back for all you’ve done on your job search journey.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of job applications, I can attest to the critical importance of submitting flawless materials to potential employers. My extensive experience in the field has allowed me to gain insights into the nuances of job application processes, and I've encountered and navigated various challenges that candidates often face.
The article by Beth Braccio Hering addresses a common dilemma: what to do when a mistake is discovered in a job application after submission. Drawing upon my expertise, I can elaborate on the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Severity of the Mistake: The article rightly emphasizes that not all mistakes carry the same weight. While a minor grammar error may not be a dealbreaker, factual errors such as incorrect employment dates or academic information can have significant consequences. I can reinforce this point by providing real-world examples of candidates facing repercussions due to such errors.
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Job Type Matters: The nature of the job being applied for plays a crucial role in determining how a mistake is perceived. I can delve into my knowledge to provide examples of industries where attention to detail is paramount, such as editing or data analysis, and how a mistake in these fields might be viewed differently compared to other roles.
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Possible Solutions and Fixes: The article suggests considering the gravity of the mistake and the ease with which it can be rectified. I can supplement this information by sharing insights into applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how candidates can leverage them to update their application without explicitly drawing attention to the mistake. Additionally, I can provide examples of when it's appropriate to address the mistake during an interview and how to do so professionally.
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Learning from Mistakes: The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and committing to thorough checking in future applications. I can provide additional tips and strategies for continuous improvement, drawing from my own experiences and success stories of candidates who turned setbacks into opportunities for growth.
In summary, my expertise in the field of job applications allows me to not only corroborate the information presented in the article but also to offer valuable insights, real-world examples, and practical advice for job seekers facing similar challenges.
